Top Three Bars in Philadelphia

Two blocks from City Hall, at McGillin's, you are apt to rub elbows with City Hall staffers and politicians, jurors, lawyers and secretaries, students, karaoke junkies, tourists, shoppers and couples looking for a place to stare into each other's eyes.

McGillin's Olde Ale House, established in 1860, is the oldest bar in Philadelphia. Good food reasonably priced, camaraderie and the best selection of beers on tap is offered in a brick, wood and stone building with exposed beams that just screams old Philadelphia. Celebrity photos and antique newsclips grace the walls, and in one such newsclip, it is reported that Ma McGillin flagged her own father.

Located on one of Philadelphia's tiniest, alley-like streets, it has its own theme song, and now, its own beer. Along with its selection of imported beers and regional microbrews on tap, McGillin's is celebrating its 150th anniversary by introducing McGillin's 1860 IPA Beer, brewed by Stoudt's Brewery in Adamstown, Pennsylvania. McGillin's 1860 IPA is a secret recipe of multiple hops and, as in the 1860s, is unfiltered.

McGillin's serves seafood, beef, chicken and pork entrees, ranging from $5.99 and $9.99, with their house specialty, an aged 10-ounce chargrilled Rib Eye au jus at $12.99. Other favorites are their Mussels McGillin ($6.99/$8.49) and their Steak and Cake, a char-grilled sirloin and crab cake combination, at $9.99.

Their sandwich menu includes the R.B. McGillin (roast beef with Ma McGillin's special secret rub), Cheesesteaks, crab cake, Reubens, tuna melts and hot turkey ($5.99-$6.50). They have an extensive barfood menu, including shrimp, wings, poppers and fries
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FERGIE'S PUB (Center City, 1214 Sansom Street; 215-928-8118):

Despite its distinct Irish character, a plaque carved in baroque German script above the bar (a remnant of its days as a German tavern) declares, "You drink, you die, you don't drink, you die, so drink." Fergie's ornately carved dark wood walls accent the heavy wooden bar, booths and tables, and the long tables upstairs are perfect for unwinding with larger groups. Fergie's hosts live music, the bands an eclectic mix of Irish, blues, jazz and rock.

For $7.50 to $13, you can enjoy Black Angus Filet, Chicken Breast With balsamic reduction and caramelized onions, Fergie's Fish & Chips Fried in Yards Philly Pale Ale batter, Grilled Salmon with mushroom risotto and lemon caper sauce, or Shepherd's Pie. Their $7.95 beef, turkey, veggie or Portabello burgers can be topped with your choice of onions, mushrooms, guacamole, chili or bacon, and American, cheddar, jack or Swiss cheese.

For $3.50 to $7.50, you can make a meal of their appetizers. Buffalo wings in varying degrees of spiciness, Cheese Pub Fries, Chicken Tenders, Deluxe Nachos, Hummus, and fresh mussels will sustain you through an evening of their Irish brews including Guinness, Smithwicks, Harp, Woodchuck Cider and the local Yuengling and Yards brews, all on tap.

CHICKIE'S AND PETE'S CRAB HOUSE AND SPORTS BAR:

Chickie's and Pete's opened in 1977 as a humble corner tappy on Robbins Avenue in Mayfair, and grew into a regional presence. The mother site features two floors, three bars, and wall-to-wall TVs tuned to the best sports action in town. The official "sports party place" of Philadelphia, it now has six larger regional locations in South Philadelphia, the Far Northeast, Egg Harbor and Bordentown, New Jersey, and franchises at the Phillies stadium and the Philadelphia International Airport. Varying by site, Chickie's and Pete's hosts local and national talent, radio call-in shows and celebrity DJ nights, and celebrates every major sporting event.

Chickie's and Pete's is renown for its seafood, offering five different crab selections, shrimp, baby lobster tails, mussels and clams. Along with their signature salads, their appetizers include Wings, Homemade Shelly Seafood Chowder, Baby Calamari, and Cheesesteak Nachos. Their sandwiches run the gamut of roast beef, burgers and chicken, and you can even get a Lobster Cheesesteak. Finally, their pizza toppings include shrimp or lobster. Chickie's and Pete's menu prices range from $3.99 to $19.99, and are subject to change.

Chickie's and Pete's offers a wide selection of wines, a dozen specialty martinis, and a wide selection of brand name beers and lagers, "twisted teas" and hard lemonades.

Sources:

McGillin's Olde Ale House Website
Fergie's Pub Website
Chickie's and Pete's Website